JP2006326310A - Method and system for collecting ultrasonic image data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for collecting ultrasonic image data. <P>SOLUTION: The method and system for collecting the ultrasonic image data are provided. The method includes: a process for receiving synthetic image information from an ultrasonic system (100); a process for receiving color flow image information from the ultrasonic system; and a process for processing the received synthetic image information and color flow image information in order to generate a synthesized ultrasonic image combined with color flow imaging. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates generally to ultrasound systems, and more particularly to methods and systems for collecting ultrasound image data.

  The ultrasound system typically includes an ultrasound scanning device such as an ultrasound probe having different transducers to allow for the execution of a variety of different ultrasound scans (eg, different imaging of the volume or body). It is. Furthermore, typically different operating modes such as amplitude mode (A mode) and luminance mode (B mode) are available.

  In addition, various methods are known for improving the quality (eg, resolution) of scanned images. For example, an ultrasound system may provide spatial compounding. Specifically, spatial synthesis combines frames consisting of images collected in different geometric configurations (eg, images at different angles on a linear probe) into a single composite image. This synthesized image can provide improved image quality compared to conventional scanning, ie, unsynthesized scanning, by improving contrast resolution. However, combining spatial synthesis with other modes of operation for collecting spatially synthesized images (especially for collecting data required for spatial synthesis) and for processing demands required to create real-time images It is difficult to use. For example, it is difficult to use spatial synthesis in combination with color flow imaging, power Doppler, or another two-dimensional (2D) image mode that exhibits, for example, blood flow velocity information.

  In one embodiment, a method for performing ultrasound imaging is provided. The method receives the composite image information from the ultrasound system, receives the color flow image information from the ultrasound system, and receives the composite image information to create a combined ultrasound image combined with color flow imaging. Processing the combined image information and the color flow image information.

  In another embodiment, a collection system for collecting ultrasound information in an ultrasound system is provided. The acquisition system includes a data collection component for collecting color flow imaging information and composite image information, a memory for storing frames of the collected color flow imaging information and composite image information, and a composite image. A composition processing component for processing a frame of information and an uncomposition processing component for processing a frame of composition information are included. The collection system further includes a switch for selecting from the memory a frame to be processed by at least one of the synthesis processing component and the non-synthesis processing component, a color flow processing component for processing a frame of color flow image information, including. The collection system further includes a display for displaying a plurality of images from the processed collection information based on user input, the image to be displayed being at least one of a synthesized image and an unsynthesized image as well as a color. It includes at least one of a synthesized image with the flow superimposed and an unsynthesized image with the color flow superimposed.

  Exemplary embodiments of ultrasound systems and methods for collecting and combining ultrasound image data / information will be described in detail below. Specifically, a detailed description of an exemplary ultrasound system will be presented first, followed by a detailed description of various embodiments of methods and systems for collecting ultrasound data / information. . It should be noted that the terms data and information are used interchangeably herein.

  FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an ultrasound system 100 that can be used, for example, to collect and process ultrasound images. The ultrasound system 100 drives an array of elements 104 (eg, piezoelectric crystals) that are internal to or formed as part of the transducer 106 to emit a pulsed ultrasound signal into the body or volume. A transmitter 102 is included. A wide variety of geometric configurations can be used, and one or more transducers 106 can be provided as part of the probe (not shown). The pulsed ultrasonic signal undergoes backscattering at a density boundary surface and / or structure such as blood cells and muscle tissue in the body, for example, and an echo is generated, which is returned to the element 104. This echo is received by receiver 108 and provided to beamformer 110. The beamformer performs beamforming on the received echo and outputs an RF signal. The RF signal is then processed by the RF processor 112. The RF processor 112 may include a complex demodulator (not shown) that demodulates the RF signal to form IQ data pairs representing the echo signal. This RF or IQ signal data may then be routed directly to the RF / IQ buffer 114 for storage (eg, temporary storage).

  The ultrasound system 100 further processes the collected ultrasound information (ie, RF signal data or IQ data pairs) and also includes a signal processor 116 to create a frame of ultrasound information for display on the display system 118. Contains. The signal processor 116 is adapted to perform one or more processing operations on the collected ultrasound information according to a plurality of selectable ultrasound modes. The collected ultrasound information may be processed in real time as echo signals are received during the scanning session. Additionally or alternatively, this ultrasound information may be temporarily stored in the RF / IQ buffer 114 during the scan session and may be subject to less real-time processing in live or offline operation.

  The ultrasound system 100 may continuously collect ultrasound information at a frame rate that exceeds 50 frames per second, which is the approximate perception rate of the human eye. The collected ultrasound information is displayed on the display system 118 at a slower frame rate. An image buffer 122 may be included to store processed frames of acquired ultrasound information that are not scheduled to be displayed immediately. In one exemplary embodiment, the image buffer 122 has sufficient capacity to store at least a few seconds worth of ultrasound information frames. Ultrasound information frames may be stored in a manner that facilitates their retrieval according to the collection order and collection time. Image buffer 122 may comprise any known data storage medium.

  A user input device 120 may be used to control the operation of the ultrasound system 100. User input device 120 may be any device and / or user interface suitable for receiving user input to control, for example, the type of scan or the type of transducer utilized in the scan.

  FIG. 2 represents the image collection of the object 200. This collection can be performed using, for example, the ultrasound system 100. It should be noted that although the target of imaging is a volume, various images such as 2D images can be collected. The image of the subject 200 is defined by a plurality of cross-sections 210 collected by a plurality of composite frames 222 to create an imaging volume 216 as described in more detail herein.

  As further shown in FIG. 3, spatial synthesis can be provided, and this spatial synthesis can display frames of B-mode data from multiple co-planar views for the same anatomical region. To combine them into one data frame. Frames are collected iteratively from various gazes. FIG. 2 shows the same cross-sectional slice 210 of volume 216 being examined from five different directions corresponding to frame 222. Each of the frames 222, when collected, is combined with the previous four frames to create an output frame in the unsteered frame geometric space. FIG. 3 shows that various regions of the output frame are composed of overlapping regions of the input frame. As shown, the displayed output frame has a non-steering frame geometry. In this example, the top part of the output frame is formed by combining data from all five directions (two steered to the left, two steered to the right, and a single non-steering frame). Yes. The remaining portion of the output frame is obtained by combining three or four frames depending on the number of frames overlapping the region.

  FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a collection system 250 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that can be used in combination with the ultrasound system 100. Specifically, the collection system 250 includes a data collection component 252 that may include, for example, a transducer 106, a transmitter 102, and a receiver 108 (all illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2). It should be understood that the data collection component 252 can collect ultrasound image data / information in various modes of operation and using various transducers or probes. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a color flow imaging run that collects color flow frames 254 and a synthetic imaging run that collects composite expression frames 256 are collected using data collection component 252. Can be executed.

  The collected image frames are stored in memory 258, which in one exemplary embodiment is short-term storage (eg, random access memory). Long-term storage, such as a disk storage device 260, may be provided, for example, to store selected images or desired images that can be recalled and displayed later. A switch 262 may be provided and can be operated by the user using the user input device 120 (see FIG. 1). The switch 262 allows the user to select information (eg, image frames) in the memory 258 and provide it to the compositing processing component 264, the uncombined processing component 266, or both, and process the collected image data (eg, frames). Can be made. The processed image data is then displayed on the display 268. The processed image data can also include one or both of a synthesized image and an unsynthesized image based on the collected frames from the data collection component 252. In addition, the color flow processing for processing the color flow frame to display on the display 268 in addition to or in combination with the synthesized or unsynthesized image from the composition processing component 264 and the unsynthesized processing component 266. A component 270 is connected to the memory 258. For example, user input may be provided via user input device 120 (see FIG. 1) to select the type or composition of images to be displayed according to the description herein. It should further be noted that the display 268 may be any suitable display including the display system 118 (see FIG. 1).

  Furthermore, it should be noted that the components of collection system 250 may be manufactured and / or provided as desired or required (eg, based on the ultrasound system of interest). Accordingly, various components can be implemented to perform various operations and functions as described herein.

  In operation, the collection system 250 and the method described below may be used to provide a synthesized and / or unsynthesized image combined (eg, superimposed) with color flow as desired or required. it can. For example, display 268 may display two separate images, such as a combined image on one portion of display 268 and a combined image superimposed on the color flow on another portion of display 268.

  For the collection of ultrasound image data / information using the data collection component 252, composite frames and color flow frames are collected in a single scan. As shown in FIG. 5, composite frames may be collected at various angles for the same point to be scanned and / or the same region of interest. Specifically, for B-mode launches for a single frame, a zero angle center (M) launch 280 is provided, and left 2 (L2) launch 282 and left 1 (L1) launch 284 are center launch 280. It is shown to be provided at an angle with respect to the region of interest (eg, to the left with respect to the region of interest). For example, the L1 launch 284 may be provided at 15 degrees and the L2 launch 282 at 30 degrees, respectively, with respect to the central launch 280. Similarly, additional right 2 (R2) launch 286 and right 1 (R1) launch 288 may be provided at an angle relative to central launch 280. These various firings can either mechanically steer or direct transducer 106 (eg, move the scan head within the probe) and / or be electronic (eg, using a phased array). It should be understood that can also be provided. When referring to firing herein, this generally means to collect images, such as driving an array of elements as part of a transducer to emit a pulsed ultrasound signal into the body or volume. Means to activate the ultrasound system.

  Various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 6-10 may be used for color flow image data (eg, color flow frame 254) and composition for a given object, such as the same anatomy, during a single scan that may be real time. A collection sequence is provided using a collection system 250 that includes a data collection component 252 for collecting completed image data (eg, composite frame 256). This acquisition sequence allows the user to scan, for example, with synthesis turned on, and also display the unsynthesized version image and the synthesized image next to each other in real time on the display, with either the displayed image or It is possible to select to superimpose anatomical structure information and color flow image information for both.

  In a specific exemplary embodiment, the data collection component 252 collects the color flow frame 254 and the composite frame 256 and stores them in the memory 258 as separate frames. Specifically, in the collection of image information as illustrated in one exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, one colorflow data frame is collected in a non-interleaved fashion for each series, ie, a set of composite frames. This acquisition can occur either before or after the B-mode data frame of the non-steered composite frame. For example, the entire set of firings is performed by creating an entire color flow frame and then switching to B-mode firing. In FIG. 6, the following acquisition sequence or launch sequence is provided.

1. M launch 280
2. Single frame color flow launch 290
3. L2 launch 282
4). R1 launch 288
5. L1 launch 284
6). R2 launch 286
This sequence may be repeated as desired and as necessary, for example, to provide a real-time or live display of the anatomy being imaged. For example, in the combined frame, the last five frames collected (when combined with five different steering directions) are displayed in combination. For example, suppose that frame numbering starts at zero and moves up during the scan, and synthesizes five angles. After collecting frames 0 through 4, one output frame is output for display. Frame 5 is then collected and the display is updated with a combination of frames 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Frame 6 is then collected and the display is updated with a combination of frames 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. This process is continued in the same manner.

  In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the following acquisition sequence or firing sequence is provided, similar to the acquisition sequence shown in FIG.

1. R2 launch 286
2. Single frame color flow launch 290
3. M launch 280
4). L2 launch 282
5. R1 launch 288
6). L1 launch 284
7). R2 launch 286
Again, this sequence may be repeated as desired or necessary.

  In another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the collection sequence is similar to the sequence shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but color flow firing is interleaved with B-mode firing for non-steering frames. Specifically, the following acquisition sequence or launch sequence is provided.

1. Alternating launch 292
2. L2 launch 282
3. R1 launch 288
4). L1 launch 284
5. R2 launch 286
Again, this sequence may be repeated as desired or necessary.

  It should be noted that alternating firing 292 is an interleave of color flow firing for a single frame and B-mode firing for a single frame in a particular steering direction. In the exemplary embodiment, alternate firing 292 is a combination of M firing 280 and single frame color flow firing 290. It should be noted that alternating firing can be provided as desired or required (eg, in various combinations).

  In another exemplary embodiment of a collection sequence as shown in FIG. 9, one colorflow data frame is collected in a non-interleaved fashion for each individual composite frame (eg, the entire colorflow frame The entire set of firings may be performed by switching to B-mode firing after the Specifically, the following acquisition sequence or launch sequence is provided.

1. M launch 280
2. Single frame color flow launch 290
3. L2 launch 282
4). Single frame color flow launch 290
5. R1 launch 288
6). Single frame color flow launch 290
7). L1 launch 284
8). Single frame color flow launch 290
9. R2 launch 286
10. Color Flow Launch 290
Again, this sequence may be repeated as desired or necessary.

  In another exemplary embodiment of the acquisition sequence as shown in FIG. 10, a sequence similar to that of FIG. 9 is provided, but in this case the color flow launch is B-mode launch for each steered composite frame. Are interleaved. Specifically, the following acquisition sequence or launch sequence is provided.

1. Alternating launch 292
2. Alternating launch 294
3. Alternate firing 296
4). Alternate launch 298
5. Alternating launch 300
Again, this sequence may be repeated as desired or necessary.

  In one exemplary embodiment, alternate firing 292 is an interleave of (i) M firing 280 and (ii) single frame color flow firing 290. Alternate firing 294 is an interleave of (i) L2 firing 282 and (ii) single frame color flow firing 290. Alternate firing 296 is an interleave of (i) R1 firing 288 and (ii) single frame color flow firing 290. Alternate firing 298 is an interleave of (i) L1 firing 284 and (ii) single frame color flow firing 290. Alternate firing 300 is an interleave of (i) R2 firing 286 and (ii) single frame color flow firing 290. These alternating firings can be provided as desired or required (eg, in various combinations).

  With respect to this alternating firing, it should be noted that a combination of color flow firing for a single frame and B-mode firing for a single frame can be provided as desired or required. For example, looking at alternating firing 292, if the vectors of M firing 280 and single frame color flow firing 290 are interleaved with 50 lines of color and 100 lines of B mode, these firings are 10 per shot. The lines can be interleaved, that is, 10 lines in B mode, 10 lines in color flow, 10 lines in B mode, and so on. However, other combinations are possible as desired or required. For example, from the viewpoint of firing with respect to color, it is possible to create and display one color line by firing 4 to 16 vectors in a specific direction for each displayed line. This number of vectors is called the packet size. If the display color line is 50 lines, the B-mode line is 100 lines, and the packet size for the color flow vector is 8, the launch can be provided as follows: B line 20 and color 80 (8 times 10 lines in one packet), then B 20 and then color 80 and so on until the frame is complete. The packets of color data can be interleaved according to user settings regarding PRF, depth and color ROI size. For example, the ROI can be divided into two regions each consisting of 25 lines (200 shots or 25 × 8 total for each section). In some situations, the first launch is collected in one packet for the first region, and then the first launch in one packet for the second region before the collection of the second launch for the first region. It can be. Assuming that “L” is used for the line and “F” is used for launch, the sequence is L1F1, L26F1, L1F2, L26F2, L1F3, L26F3,. . . , L1F8, L26F8, followed by a certain number of B lines, then L2F1, L27F1, L2F2, L27F2, L2F3, L27F3,. . . , L2F8, and L27F8.

  Note that the angles used for firings 280-288 as well as the collection of composite frames can be programmed or pre-determined as desired or required, eg, based on the application or probe used. Should. Further, various numbers of frames may be combined, such as 3, 5, 7, 9, and / or any other number as desired or required.

  Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention allow a user to view various combinations of synthesized and unsynthesized images on a display that may include color flow imaging on the display without requiring switching between display modes or operating modes. It becomes possible to do. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention can display the anatomical structure on a single display with improved image quality of spatial synthesis with physiological information such as blood flow.

  While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. Let's go. Further, the reference numerals in the claims corresponding to the reference numerals in the drawings are merely used for easier understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to narrow the scope of the present invention. Absent. The matters described in the claims of the present application are incorporated into the specification and become a part of the description items of the specification.

1 is a block diagram of an ultrasound system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a representation of object image collection using the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating spatial synthesis according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a collection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of various perspectives of a composite frame that can be collected by a probe of an ultrasound system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a collection sequence according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a collection sequence according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a collection sequence according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a collection sequence according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a collection sequence according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Ultrasonic System 102 Transmitter 104 Element 106 Transducer 108 Receiver 110 Beamformer 112 RF Processor 114 RF / IQ Buffer 116 Signal Processor 118 Display System 120 User Input Device 122 Image Buffer 200 Subject 210 Cross Section Slice 216 Volume 222 Frame 250 Collection System 252 Data collection component 254 Color flow frame 256 Composite frame 258 Memory 260 Disk storage 262 Switch 264 Composite processing component 266 Uncombined processing component 268 Display 270 Color flow processing component 280 M (center) launch 282 L2 launch 284 L1 launch 286 R2 launch 288 (R1) launch 290 -Time color flow firing 292 alternately firing 294 alternately firing 296 alternately firing 298 alternately firing 300 alternately firing

Claims (10)

  Receiving composite image information from the ultrasound system (100), receiving color flow image information from the ultrasound system, and a composite equation received to create a combined ultrasound image combined with color flow imaging. Processing the image information and the color flow image information.   The method further includes receiving power Doppler image information from the ultrasound system (100), wherein the processing step processes the received power Doppler image information to create a synthesized ultrasound image combined with power Doppler imaging. The method of claim 1, comprising a step.   The method further includes receiving two-dimensional blood image information from the ultrasound system (100), and the processing step includes receiving the received two-dimensional blood image information to create a synthesized ultrasound image combined with two-dimensional blood imaging. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of processing.   The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the synthesized ultrasound image combined with color flow imaging on a display (268) along with unsynthesized ultrasound images for the same region of interest.   2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the synthesized ultrasound image combined with color flow imaging on a display (268) along with the unsynthesized ultrasound image combined with color flow imaging for the same region of interest. the method of.   The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the synthesized ultrasound image combined with color flow imaging on a display (268) along with the synthesized image for the same region of interest.   The method of claim 1, wherein the color flow image information is superimposed on the synthesized ultrasound image.   Collecting composite image information with the ultrasound system (100), collecting colorflow image information with the ultrasound system, processing the colorflow image information for display, and based on user input A method for performing ultrasound imaging, comprising: a step of processing the combined image information; and a step of displaying a plurality of images from the processed collection information based on user input, wherein the image to be displayed is combined A method for performing ultrasound imaging, wherein the method is at least one of at least one of a completed image and an unsynthesized image, and a synthesized image obtained by superimposing a color flow and an unsynthesized image obtained by superimposing a color flow.   9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: separately storing each frame (256) of the collected composite image information and each frame (254) of the collected color flow image information.   A data collection component (252) for collecting color flow imaging information and composite image information, and a memory for storing frames (254, 256) of the collected color flow imaging information and composite image information ( 258), a compositing processing component (264) for processing a frame of composite image information, an uncombined processing component (266) for processing a frame of composite information, and the compositing processing component and the unsynthesizing processing component A switch (262) for selecting a frame to be processed from at least one of the memories, a color flow processing component (270) for processing a frame of color flow image information, and the processing based on a user input Multiple images from already collected information A collection system (250) for collecting ultrasound information with an ultrasound system (100) comprising a display (268) for displaying, wherein the image to be displayed is one of a synthesized image and an unsynthesized image A collection system that is at least one of at least one and a combined image with color flow superimposed and an unsynthesized image with color flow superimposed.

Images